As a graphic designer or art director, you have a number of tax filing obligations. Bambridge Accountants are an expert team of accountants that specialise in accounting for creative industry professionals such as graphic designers and artistic directors.

Being aware of the tax deductions you are entitled to can save you thousands of pounds against paying unnecessary tax.

Below are some of the tax deductions you can be entitled to as a graphic designer or artistic designer:

Meals and Travel

The cost of buying meals when you work overtime, provided you have been paid an allowance by your employer

The cost of meals and incidental expenses when you are required to stay away overnight. If you didn’t receive an allowance, you should keep receipts to prove the amount you have spent on all meals and accommodation

The cost of parking, tolls, taxis and public transport if you are required to travel to attend seminars, meetings and training courses.

The cost of using your own car for work, including traveling to clients’ premises, attending meetings, attending training courses and collecting supplies for the business.

Work Clothing

The cost of buying compulsory uniforms. Conventional clothing is NOT deductible, even if your employer tells you to wear a certain style or quality of clothing

The cost of laundry, dry cleaning, alterations or repairs of your uniforms

The cost of buying sun protection items if you are required to work outside at least part of the time

Training

The cost of work-related short training courses, for example training in new software packages, OH&S and management skills, which are not run by a university or TAFE.

The cost of self-education courses run by a University (not including HECS/HELP fees) or TAFE (for example Bachelor of Arts, Graphic design, Communications or Marketing). If you are studying, you can also claim for the cost of books, stationery, equipment and travel required for your course

Work Tools & Equipment

The cost of buying and repairing equipment you use at work, including electronic organisers, laptop computers, work-specific software and mobile phones

The cost of any materials or supplies that you buy for use at work, for example memory cards, USB sticks stationery, diary, work bag or briefcase

Memberships, Books, Phones & Internet

The cost of annual association membership fees

The cost of work-related magazines, journals or books

The cost of the work-related portion of your pay TV rental, where it is used for research in your job

The cost of work-related mobile or home telephone calls and rental

The cost of work-related internet connection fees

The cost of maintaining a home office if you are required to complete work at home

General Expenses

There are some tax deductions that all employees can claim on their personal tax returns:

The amount of any donations to registered charities

The cost of bank fees charged on any investment accounts

The cost of income protection or sickness and accident insurance premiums (this type of insurance covers you if you hurt yourself

Your tax agent fees

The cost of travelling to see your tax agent

Contact us for expert accounting advice for graphic designers and artistic directors